ENGAGE.EU Startup Growth Pathway @4YFN Barcelona 2027
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Dates: 1-4 March 2027 (arrival recommended on 28 February)
Format: On site
Theme: Startup growth, internationalisation and business opportunities at 4YFN
Organised by: Universitat Ramon Llull as part of ENGAGE.EU Entrepreneurial Pathways
Activity Overview
The ENGAGE.EU Startup Growth Pathway @4YFN Barcelona 2027 gives selected startups direct access to 4YFN Barcelona, alongside practical preparation and curated ENGAGE.EU and URL Lab opportunities designed to support business development, international growth and market exposure.
4YFN takes place alongside MWC Barcelona and brings together founders, investors, corporates, potential customers and innovation partners. The Pathway helps participating startups use this environment strategically by preparing their goals, identifying relevant contacts and taking part in selected activities during the four days.
The activity is hosted by URL Lab,, the entrepreneurship ecosystem of Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), with a strong presence at 4YFN through Esade, La Salle and IQS, each with its own stand at the fair.
Practical information
Participants are strongly encouraged to arrive in Barcelona on the afternoon of 28 February 2027 to ensure a smooth start to the programme on 1 March. Barcelona is particularly busy during the MWC period, with increased traffic and high demand for transport and accommodation services. Arriving the day before will help participants reach the 4YFN venue on time and avoid unnecessary delays on the first morning. URL will provide a list of recommended accommodation options. Participants are strongly advised to book accommodation as soon as they receive their confirmation.
The programme will run throughout the four days of 4YFN. No specific Entrepreneurial Pathway activities will be scheduled for the afternoon of 4 March, allowing participants to travel back that day if needed.
Programme
Before the event
Participants will receive practical guidance on how to prepare for the fair, identify relevant investors, partners, customers and business opportunities, and make the most of the 4YFN agenda, exhibition area and wider ecosystem.
During 4YFN
Participants will receive 4YFN tickets for the four days of the event. Subject to confirmation, these tickets are also expected to grant access to MWC Barcelona on Thursday, 4 March.
- Participation in the Founders’ Launch Night – URL Lab and ENGAGE.EU Opening Networking Event.
- The opportunity to take part in the European Pitch Competition and compete for the URL Lab Award.
- Access to the wider 4YFN programme, including talks, panels, showcases and networking opportunities.
- Visibility opportunities through the 4YFN platform and ecosystem.
One startup will be selected in advance for an exhibition opportunity at a URL Lab stand during the four days of 4YFN. The detailed programme, participation opportunities and schedule will be published before the event.
The pitching session will last 40 minutes. Depending on the number of participating startups, a selection process may be applied to determine which projects will pitch during the session. Selected teams will be informed in advance and will receive further guidance on the pitch format and timing.
Expected Impact
For startups
- New business, investment, partnership and market opportunities that support international growth.
- Connections with investors, corporates, customers and strategic partners.
- Greater exposure to international and Southern European markets.
- Practical experience in navigating a major international startup event and using it effectively.
For administrative staff
- First-hand exposure to the 4YFN-MWC entrepreneurial ecosystem and its approach to startup growth, investment and market access.
- Benchmarking and peer-learning around entrepreneurship support, incubation and internationalisation practices.
- Stronger connections with entrepreneurship and innovation professionals from ENGAGE.EU and the wider 4YFN ecosystem.
Application Requirements
Who can apply
The Pathway is open to startups with traction and internationalisation readiness or potential, and to administrative staff working in entrepreneurship, innovation, incubation or startup support at ENGAGE.EU universities. All participants must be fluent in English.
Startup eligibility
- At least one active co-founder must be a current student, researcher, staff member or alumnus or alumna of the sending ENGAGE.EU university.
- At least one active member of the founding team must have completed or be participating in an internal incubation or acceleration programme at the sending institution.
- The startup should have at least a functional MVP and documented user traction, such as active pilots, test users, revenue or another credible indicator of market validation.
- The startup should demonstrate a clear intention to enter or expand into international markets.
Application materials
Startup applications must include a website and, where relevant, social-media links; information on the product and traction; a motivation letter; and the startup’s objectives for participating in 4YFN. Administrative-staff applications must include a short motivation letter describing the applicant’s objectives, expectations and the relevance of the experience to their work.
All materials must be submitted in English through ENGAGE.EU website. The form will collect the applicant’s profile, contact and affiliation details; startup information and supporting documents where applicable; availability confirmation; and the required data-protection and conduct acknowledgements.
Selection and exhibition opportunities
Submitted applications are evaluated by the academics and staff working in the ENGAGE.EU Open Innovation Labs.
A maximum of 12 startups will be selected: one from each of the nine visiting ENGAGE.EU universities and three from Universitat Ramon Llull as host institution, one each from Esade, La Salle and IQS. Each selected startup will be represented by one entrepreneur.
Startups will be assessed on eligibility, traction and maturity, internationalisation potential, the quality and feasibility of their objectives for 4YFN, and the overall quality of the application.
One startup will be chosen through an additional pre-event selection process for an exhibition opportunity at a URL Lab stand. This selection will focus on exhibition readiness, business and internationalisation potential, and the ability to make effective use of a dedicated counter during 4YFN.
Apply through eJourney HERE
Need help with eJourney?
For technical issues or problems with eJourney, please contact ejourney-support@uni-mannheim.de or visit the eJourney Online Help.
For questions regarding the application process or the offers, please get in touch with your ENGAGE.EU contact or ERASMUS office at your university.
Key Dates
Milestone | Date |
Application phase | 10 November – 3 December 2026 |
Application deadline | 3 December 2026, 23:59 CET |
Selection phase | 4-14 December 2026 |
Final participant confirmation | By 17 December 2026 |
Pre-event preparation guidance | Late January / early February 2027 |
4YFN Barcelona 2027 | 1-4 March 2027 |
Additional Details
Selected startups must confirm their full availability to participate in Barcelona from 1 to 4 March 2027 within the deadline communicated after selection.
Selected participants might receive a scholarship to support their participation in the event. For further information, please contact your local ENGAGE.EU contact point.
For further information, please contact: josep.alias@esade.edu and roser.grau@iqs.url.edu